🛂 50 Countries Visa-Free Entry
China offers unilateral 30-day visa-free entry for tourists from 50 countries. No application needed — just book your ticket and go.
中国为来自50个国家的游客提供单方面30天免签入境。无需申请，只需订票出发。
📋 Requirements for Visa-Free Entry
- Valid passport (6+ months validity, at least 1 blank page)
- Confirmed return or onward ticket
- Hotel reservation or address of stay in China
- Proof of sufficient funds for your stay
🇺🇸 Americas
United States
Canada
Brazil
Argentina
Mexico
Chile
Peru
Colombia
🇪🇺 Europe
United Kingdom
France
Germany
Italy
Spain
Netherlands
Belgium
Austria
Switzerland
Sweden
Denmark
Finland
Norway
Ireland
Portugal
Greece
Poland
Hungary
Czech Republic
Iceland
🌏 Asia-Pacific
Japan
South Korea
Singapore
Malaysia
Thailand
Australia
New Zealand
Brunei
Kazakhstan
🌍 Middle East & Others
UAE
Saudi Arabia
Qatar
Oman
Kuwait
Bahrain
South Africa
Egypt
⚠️ Important Notes
- The 30 days starts from your date of entry, not the date of booking
- You cannot extend this visa-free period — plan accordingly
- Working or studying is not permitted on visa-free entry
- If you need longer stay, apply for a proper visa at Chinese embassies
🆕 2026 New Policy Updates
🇷🇺 Russia Visa-Free Pilot — Until September 14, 2026
Russia and China have launched a bilateral visa-free pilot program effective until September 14, 2026. Russian citizens can visit China for tourism, business, and family visits without a visa for up to 15 days. This is a reciprocal arrangement — Chinese citizens can also visit Russia visa-free under the same conditions.
俄罗斯和中国推出了双边免签试点计划，有效期至2026年9月14日。俄罗斯公民可以免签来华旅游、商务、探亲访友，停留最长15天。这是对等安排——中国公民也可在相同条件下免签访问俄罗斯。
🏝️ Hainan 59 Countries Visa-Free (Extended)
Hainan Province continues its visa-free policy for citizens from 59 countries. Travelers can stay in Hainan for up to 30 days for tourism, business meetings, visits, or transit. This is one of China's longest-running pilot programs and has been extended through 2026.
海南省继续对59个国家的公民实施免签政策。旅客可在海南停留最长30天，用于旅游、商务会面、探亲或过境。这是中国运行时间最长的试点项目之一，已延长至2026年。
📋 16 New Measures for Inbound Tourism (April 2026)
On April 1, 2026, nine Chinese government departments jointly released 16 new measures to boost inbound tourism:
2026年4月1日，中国九个部门联合发布了16条新举措以提振入境旅游：
- 📱 Expanded e-payment — Foreign cards now accepted on more platforms, international SMS verification optimized
- 🛬 Port upgrades — 300+ ports now support express clearance, max 30-min wait during peak hours
- 📶 Better connectivity — More international roaming partnerships, improved SIM card availability
- 🗣️ Language services — Multilingual signs at major tourist sites, translation app integration
- 💳 Tax refund expansion — 12,252 stores nationwide now offer tax refunds, instant refunds at airport
- 📝 Streamlined documentation — Digital arrival cards accepted at all major airports
📈 Rising Trends: Second & Third-Tier Cities
2026 has seen foreign tourists exploring beyond major cities. Second and third-tier destinations like Datong, Linzhi, Altay, and Zhoushan have seen 3x growth in foreign visitor numbers. These cities offer authentic experiences with fewer crowds.
2026年，外国游客开始探索主要城市以外的地区。大同、林芝、阿勒泰、舟山等二三线城市的外国游客数量增长了3倍。这些城市提供了更少人流的authentic体验。
🛒 "Come to China Empty-Handed" Trend
Social media trend #BecomingChinese — foreigners arrive with empty suitcases to fill with Chinese products: drones, VR headsets, traditional Chinese medicine, Hanfu, and local delicacies. Retail therapy meets cultural immersion.
社交媒体趋势 #BecomingChinese——老外带着空箱子来中国购物：无人机、VR眼镜、中医、汉服和当地美食。购物与文化沉浸的完美结合。
✈️ 240-Hour Transit Visa-Free
The 240-hour (10-day) transit visa-free policy allows you to explore parts of China during layovers without a visa. Originally 72 hours, this has been expanded significantly.
240小时（10天）过境免签政策允许您在中转期间免签探索中国部分地区。
✅ 55 Countries Eligible
Includes all 50 visa-free countries plus: Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Iran, and 1 more — essentially most European, American, and Asian passport holders.
包括所有50个免签国家以及：俄罗斯、乌克兰、白俄罗斯、伊朗等。
🛫 Key Rules
| Requirement |
Details |
| Maximum Stay |
240 hours (10 days) |
| Entry/Exit Ports |
Must use the same port or designated port pairs |
| Travel Zone |
Confined to the province/city where your entry port is located |
| Onward Ticket |
Confirmed ticket to a third country required |
| Permitted Zones |
Cannot travel freely nationwide — restricted to designated area |
🗺️ Major 65 Designated Ports
🛬 Airports (24)
Beijing PEK/DAC, Shanghai PVG/PVG, Guangzhou CAN, Shenzhen SZX, Chengdu CTU/TSN, Hangzhou HGH, Xi'an XIY, Chongqing CKG, Kunming KMG, Xiamen XMN, Nanjing NKG, Qingdao TAO, Dalian DLC, Shenyang SHE, Harbin HRB, Urumqi URC, and more...
🚂 Land Crossings (20)
Hong Kong-Macau (Luohu, Hengqin), Shenzhen (Manzhouli), several Yunnan-Myanmar/Lao crossings, and major border cities.
🚢 Cruise Ports (6)
Shanghai (Wusongkou), Tianjin, Guangzhou (Nansha), Shenzhen (Shekou), Sanya, Dalian cruise terminals.
🚄 Rail Stations (15)
Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Guangxi (Pingxiang, Mohan), Inner Mongolia (Erenhot), and cross-border rail points.
💡 Transit Tip: Use Shanghai!
Shanghai's 240h transit is particularly flexible — you can explore the entire Shanghai municipality including Shanghai Disneyland, Yu Garden, and day trips to Suzhou or Hangzhou by high-speed rail!
上海的240小时过境特别灵活 — 您可以探索整个上海市，还可以乘坐高铁前往苏州或杭州一日游！
📱 New "One-Stop" Visa Reform: E-Entry QR Code
China is rolling out a Pre-Arrival Electronic Entry Card system in 2026 — a streamlined digital immigration process designed to reduce border wait times and simplify customs declarations.
中国正在2026年推出行前电子入境卡系统 — 一种简化的数字入境流程，旨在减少边境等候时间和简化海关申报。
🆕 What's New in 2026
Instead of filling out paper arrival cards on the plane, travelers from visa-free countries can now complete customs and health declarations online before departure. You'll receive a QR code to scan at immigration.
来自免签国家的旅客现在可以在出发前在线完成海关和健康申报，而不是在飞机上填写纸质入境卡。
📋 How It Works
- Before departure: Visit the official China e-entry portal or scan QR code from airline
- Fill online form: Enter passport details, travel history, accommodation in China
- Customs declaration: Declare any goods, currency over ¥20,000, or restricted items
- Receive QR code: Save to phone — valid for 24 hours
- At immigration: Scan QR code at automated gates or present to officer
📍 Where It's Available
Currently rolling out at major airports including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Xi'an. More ports being added throughout 2026. Check with your airline for availability.
目前正在主要机场推行，包括北京、上海、广州、深圳、成都、杭州、西安。2026年将陆续添加更多口岸。
🔐 What to Declare
| Item |
Declaration Required |
| Cash over ¥20,000 RMB |
Yes (or equivalent in foreign currency) |
| Goods over ¥5,000 RMB |
Yes |
| Plants, animals, food products |
Yes |
| Medicines (personal use) |
Declaration needed for large quantities |
| Laptops, cameras (personal use) |
Usually no, but register if expensive |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Which countries are eligible for China's 30-day visa-free entry?
50 countries currently qualify for China's unilateral 30-day visa-free policy, including USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and more. The policy is valid until December 31, 2026.
目前有50个国家符合中国单方面30天免签政策，包括美国、加拿大、英国、澳大利亚、新西兰、法国、德国、意大利、西班牙、日本、韩国、新加坡、马来西亚、泰国等。政策有效期至2026年12月31日。
Can I use the 240-hour transit visa-free to visit China?
Yes. Citizens from 55 countries can transit through China for up to 240 hours (10 days) without a visa, provided they enter and exit through designated ports. You cannot travel beyond the permitted zone and must have confirmed onward tickets.
可以。来自55个国家的公民可以在不超过240小时（10天）的情况下过境中国免签，但必须通过指定口岸入境和出境。您不能超出允许区域旅行，且必须有机票确认。
What is the China e-entry QR code and do I need it?
China's Pre-Arrival Electronic Entry Card (e-entry QR) is a streamlined immigration process being rolled out in 2026. Travelers from visa-free countries can complete customs declarations online before arrival, reducing border wait times. It's recommended but not yet mandatory for all ports.
中国的行前电子入境卡（电子QR码）是2026年推出的简化入境流程。免签国家的旅客可以在抵达前在线完成海关申报，减少边境等候时间。建议使用，但尚未在所有口岸强制要求。
How can I pay in China as a foreign tourist?
Major options include: (1) Alipay/WeChat Pay with international cards linked, (2) Digital Yuan (e-CNY) app with foreign phone number registration, (3) Cash at hotels and tourist shops, (4) International credit cards at high-end hotels. WeChat/Alipay with foreign cards is the most widely accepted.
主要方式包括：（1）关联国际卡的支付宝/微信支付，（2）使用外国手机号注册的电子人民币应用，（3）酒店和旅游商店的现金，（4）高端酒店的国际信用卡。关联外国卡的微信/支付宝是最广泛接受的。
Do I need a visa if I'm just transiting through China?
Not necessarily. If you're from one of 55 eligible countries and your transit is 240 hours or less, you can use the transit visa-free policy. You must enter and exit through designated ports (currently 65 ports including major airports), have a confirmed ticket to a third country, and stay within the permitted area.
不一定。如果您来自55个符合条件的国家之一且中转时间不超过240小时，您可以使用过境免签政策。您必须通过指定口岸（包括主要机场在内的65个口岸）入境和出境有机票确认，并停留在允许区域内。
What documents do I need to enter China visa-free?
For visa-free entry, you need: (1) Valid passport (6+ months validity, blank pages), (2) Return or onward ticket, (3) Hotel reservations or friend/family address, (4) Proof of sufficient funds. For the 240h transit, you additionally need your connecting flight details and entry/exit port confirmation.
免签入境需要：（1）有效护照（有效期6个月以上，有空白页），（2）往返或下一程机票，（3）酒店预订或亲友地址，（4）足够的资金证明。240小时过境还需要转机航班详情和入境/出境口岸确认。
Can I extend my visa-free stay beyond 30 days?
No, the 30-day visa-free period cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a proper visa (tourist L visa or other appropriate type) at the nearest Public Security Bureau (PSB) exit-entry department before your visa-free period expires. Overstaying is a serious offense.
不可以，30天免签期不能延长。如果您需要停留更长时间，必须在免签期到期前向附近的公安局出入境部门申请适当的签证（旅游L签证或其他适当类型）。逾期逗留是严重违法行为。
What are the 16 new measures announced in April 2026?
Nine government departments jointly released 16 new measures on April 1, 2026. Key changes include: expanded foreign card acceptance on digital payment platforms, optimized international SMS verification, faster immigration clearance (under 30 minutes at major ports), 12,252 tax refund stores nationwide, and improved multilingual services at tourist sites. These measures significantly improve the inbound tourist experience.
4月1日，九个部门联合发布了16条新举措。主要变化包括：扩大外卡在数字支付平台的使用范围、优化国际短信验证、主要口岸加快入境查验（30分钟内）、全国12,252家退税商店，以及改善旅游景点的多语言服务。这些措施显著改善了入境游客体验。
Is travel insurance required for China entry?
Travel insurance is not strictly required for visa-free entry, but it's highly recommended. Hospital visits in China can be expensive for foreigners, and travel insurance covers emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage. Some tour operators and visa applications require it.
免签入境没有严格规定需要旅行保险，但强烈建议购买。外国人在中国就医可能很昂贵，旅行保险可以覆盖紧急情况、行程取消和行李丢失。一些旅行社和签证申请要求购买保险。